African Americans In Ww2
As the United States entered the Second World War, migration to California increased because of the wartime boom, bringing an influx of outsiders to the state. However, as these newcomers came to the state, they were not always welcomed with open arms, specifically African-Americans, and Mexicans. The new wartime industries, such as the aerospace and shipping industries needed a temporary workforce as many Californians left to join the war (Textbook, 482-483). The state’s new workforce was incredibly diverse, which included African- Americans who came from the North and South (Erik Lecture, 2/22). Employment opportunities that were previously unavailable to African-Americans were suddenly open. Many had the opportunity to go to school and train for jobs in aircraft manufacturing industries (Amanda
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Godlove Response Paper #3) However, African-Americans experienced racial discrimination throughout the state. Racial discrimination was evident among black servicemen near the U.S.
Naval Port of Chicago. In July of 1944, an explosion in the port of Chicago killed 200 African-American sailors. Fifty black survivors refused to continue working in dangerous loading and unloading of ammunitions because the lack of training. In response, the fifty men were charged with mutiny and faced being court-martialed. On October 1944, despite testimony demonstrating dangerous conditions and the racism of white officers, the men were found guilty and sentenced to fifteen years in prison (Erik Lecture, 2/22). African Americans also faced housing discrimination in various throughout California, forcing them to live in ghetto areas. After the war ended, war production slowed down and many African Americans lost their jobs as war production factories closed (Textbook, 482). Many found themselves out of work and struggling to survive in a very racist time. As the influx of African-Americans came to California, migration to the state did not allow them to grow or even prosper just because of their race. As African-American experienced hostility as they migrated to California, so did many
Mexican’s.
As World War Two was raging, many California farmers had left to join the war effort. As a result, there was a need for an agricultural workforce in California. In 1942, the federal government arranged a harvest and importation program from Mexico known as the Bracero program (Textbook, 477). The United States agreed to provide transportation, health care, decent housing, a decent salary, and unemployment to Mexicans who would join the program. However, not all the Mexican who came were welcome and appreciated for their hard work. According to Amanda Godlove, her family participated in the Bracero program. Her uncle was near a Bracero camp in Chicago and had suffered an epileptic seizure, so her grandfather took him to an emergency room, but was not treated on time because of his race (Amanda Godlove, Response Paper #3). Mexicans suffered discrimination and hostility, even though they came to the United States to work and provide food resources for Americans.
In 1943, increased racial tension resulted in riots across the country including in Los Angeles. In summer of 1943 World War Two navy men stationed in Los Angeles rioted against Mexicans because they were seeking revenge for “supposed” abuse of white women by black and Latino youth (Erik Lecture, 2/22). The navy men were also angered at the sight of “non-Americans” wasting time dressing up in long suits, enjoying leisure time while they risked their lives to protect America (Zoot Suit Riots Film/ Museum Gallery Label). Overall, African-Americans and Mexican migrants who came to the state during world war two experienced motivated violence, as well as state-sanctioned racism. The pressures brought on by the war resulted in numerous instances of racial violence and dissemination in the Golden State. Thus, migration to California during the war years was not beneficial to its existing residents and migrants.
Godlove Response Paper #3) However, African-Americans experienced racial discrimination throughout the state. Racial discrimination was evident among black servicemen near the U.S.
Naval Port of Chicago. In July of 1944, an explosion in the port of Chicago killed 200 African-American sailors. Fifty black survivors refused to continue working in dangerous loading and unloading of ammunitions because the lack of training. In response, the fifty men were charged with mutiny and faced being court-martialed. On October 1944, despite testimony demonstrating dangerous conditions and the racism of white officers, the men were found guilty and sentenced to fifteen years in prison (Erik Lecture, 2/22). African Americans also faced housing discrimination in various throughout California, forcing them to live in ghetto areas. After the war ended, war production slowed down and many African Americans lost their jobs as war production factories closed (Textbook, 482). Many found themselves out of work and struggling to survive in a very racist time. As the influx of African-Americans came to California, migration to the state did not allow them to grow or even prosper just because of their race. As African-American experienced hostility as they migrated to California, so did many
Mexican’s.
As World War Two was raging, many California farmers had left to join the war effort. As a result, there was a need for an agricultural workforce in California. In 1942, the federal government arranged a harvest and importation program from Mexico known as the Bracero program (Textbook, 477). The United States agreed to provide transportation, health care, decent housing, a decent salary, and unemployment to Mexicans who would join the program. However, not all the Mexican who came were welcome and appreciated for their hard work. According to Amanda Godlove, her family participated in the Bracero program. Her uncle was near a Bracero camp in Chicago and had suffered an epileptic seizure, so her grandfather took him to an emergency room, but was not treated on time because of his race (Amanda Godlove, Response Paper #3). Mexicans suffered discrimination and hostility, even though they came to the United States to work and provide food resources for Americans.
In 1943, increased racial tension resulted in riots across the country including in Los Angeles. In summer of 1943 World War Two navy men stationed in Los Angeles rioted against Mexicans because they were seeking revenge for “supposed” abuse of white women by black and Latino youth (Erik Lecture, 2/22). The navy men were also angered at the sight of “non-Americans” wasting time dressing up in long suits, enjoying leisure time while they risked their lives to protect America (Zoot Suit Riots Film/ Museum Gallery Label). Overall, African-Americans and Mexican migrants who came to the state during world war two experienced motivated violence, as well as state-sanctioned racism. The pressures brought on by the war resulted in numerous instances of racial violence and dissemination in the Golden State. Thus, migration to California during the war years was not beneficial to its existing residents and migrants.